National –
The Thai government is planning to set dual pricing of hotel rooms for foreign tourists at the same rate as the pre-pandemic period as the Covid-19 situation is resolving.
Deputy government spokesperson Traisulee Traisaranakul revealed that the Minister of Tourism and Sports, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) are preparing to discuss with hotel operators in various tourism provinces, including the Hotel Association of Thailand, regarding accommodation prices.
They would introduce the implementation of a dual-tariff condition in which foreign visitors may be charged rates similar to the pre-pandemic period while local tourists may continue to pay at current discounted rates.
Traisulee said: “During this period that the tourism sector is still in recovery, the government must support the travel of Thai people. This [The dual pricing] is to maintain our standards of prices and services for foreign tourists as it could affect the international perception of the country’s tourism brand.”
“Prices that have been reduced during Covid-19 will be maintained for Thai tourists to sustain the momentum of the domestic tourism.” Traisulee concluded.
The proposal has driven widespread outrage amongst some English language forums and discussion groups, notes TPN media.
This plan follows Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stating earlier this week that Thailand should focus on being a high-end premium brand for quality tourists versus a place known for cheap holidays.
It is unclear if the proposal would allow expats with long-term visas or work permits to get the cheaper Thai pricing, or if they would be lumped in with foreign tourists.
The original version of this article appeared on our sister website, The Pattaya News, owned by our parent company TPN media.
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